There is no built-in intermission for Oppenheimer, but some scenes are better to miss than others if you do need to take a break.
Oppenheimer has certainly been one of the most buzz-worthy releases this season.
But because there is no scheduled intermission, you will have to choose between sticking it out for three hours, or choosing very strategic times in the film to slip away.
Does Oppenheimer have an intermission?
Oppenheimer is arguably one of the most anticipated films of this season.
And in a world where more and more media is being produced with streaming in mind, it stands out not only as director Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus, but also as one of the most cinema-centric films in the last decade.
But this does come with the caveat that the film is over three hours long, even without the trailers and previews that you will have to sit through at the beginning.
Furthermore, Oppenheimer does not have a built-in intermission, so you will have to be very strategic about your timing if you suspect that you may need a bathroom break, smoke break, or even a popcorn-refill at some point during the film.
What is Oppenheimer’s exact runtime?
The British Board of Film Classification has confirmed that Oppenheimer’s official runtime totals exactly 180 minutes and 9 seconds. If you see the film in 2D IMAX, it is even longer, with a runtime of 180 minutes and 39 seconds.
This makes Oppenheimer Nolan’s longest film ever, with a runtime which is even longer than The Dark Knight Rises (164 minutes) and Interstellar (169 minutes).
The case for sitting through the entire movie
Focusing on a single thing for more than three hours at a time will likely be a tall order for most of us, but there is a considerable case to be made for sticking it out for the entirety of Oppenheimer.
Nolan’s non-linear storytelling in this film and the fact that it is so jam-packed with dialogue and important details means that it is basically inevitable that you will miss important details or ruin the pacing of the film if you miss even a single scene.
The best time to take a break during Oppenheimer
Although you might have intended to sit through all of Oppenheimer, the reality of a three-hour long movie might still catch you off guard.
If you do find yourself needing a break, the fan-favorite best time to sneak away without missing too many important details, is about halfway into the film, when Oppenheimer and the rest of the team start preparing for their oh-so important test.
If you want more options, downloading an app like RunPee can be a great way to time your breaks perfectly.